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Jun 13, 2011

My summer saviors

With the recent heatwave over, but a lot of summer left to go, we’re still going to need to stay sweat-proof, sun-proof, and shine-proof for the next few months. Here’s some of the essentials that have been getting me through the heat.

Smart Girls Who Surf SPF 30+ Mineral Sunscreen ($14.99)- High SPF sun protection without toxic chemicals doesn’t sound like too much to ask for to me, but a lot of companies use synthetics that are possibly harmful. You’ve all used them… especially if you’ve ever broken out after a day at the beach, you probably know what I’m talking about. But Smart Girls Who Surf is paraben-free and offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. I know I talk about spending a lot of time in the sun (I mean, a LOT) but I don’t do it without going out there protected! I really like this line. I feel protected and not like I’m slathering my skin with chemicals.

Mustela facial cleansing cloths ($7.50)- The best makeup remover cloth I’ve tried to date. Well, it’s a total cleansing cloth and makeup remover in one really, but of course I use it when I’m too lazy to wash my makeup off. So sue me. It’s really gentle and it actually has this soothing, cooling feel to it, so it’s perfect after a hot, sweaty day. These cloths are made for babies, so sensitive-skinned gals can be assured that it won’t cause a reaction or sting the eyes.

Good Summer Waves rollers ($9.99)- Other girls with curly hair might understand where I’m coming from here… but if you have curly hair sometimes you just want that perfect beach wave and your curl doesn’t want to cooperate. So I actually use rollers to relax my hair. Weird, I know! But this is not just for straight-haired girls. It’s for anybody who is looking for that deliciously beachy wave that only the Kate Hudson’s of the world seem to be able to do. Well if you don’t have hair like hers, and can’t afford a professional stylist to follow you around, then I would definitely recommend these. Since they’re foam rollers you can sleep in them if you have hard-to-curl hair.

HappyMe Skincare Neck and Chest Repair SPF 30 – I feel like I’m going to sound like a broken record with this, but people do NOT pay enough attention to the delicate chest area. Ever get a bad sunburn on your chest? Sun spots and freckles if you didn’t burn? Well my sweets, that is all going to catch up to you one day and you need to start thinking about it now! HappyMe Skincare is a new line that I just learned about that uses natural ingredients to help try to reverse the damage that we’ve done. This Neck and Chest Repair contains Sweet Almond extract, Rosewood oil, and apple extracts to promote elasticity, prevent future age spots, and encourages cell turnover. Best of all, HappyMe products are paraben-free, sulfate-free, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Klorane Papyrus Milk haircare line – yes, we all know that the papyrus plant was used to make paper back in the day, but what I did not know until recently was that the Egyptians were using this plant as a scalp remedy way back in the day. This line keeps hair frizz-free and moisturized without weighing it down. I’m hooked on the smell of the shampoo ($6-$18) and conditioner ($14), and the Mask with papyrus milk is TO DIE FOR. I’ve never used a mask that works so well, especially since it’s $24. (I mean, most masks are in the $40-$50 range!). There’s also a No-Rinse Care With Papyrus Milk for $14 that’s purse-sized and perfect for smoothing down frizzies if you don’t have time to wash or condition. It’s taken up permanent residence in my beach bag.

DiorSkin Forever Wear-Extending Invisible Retouch Powder ($40) – A really long name for a really hard-working product. I like that it’s a very sheer formula, because I want to show off my lusciously tanned skin, but also because I’ll be able to wear it long after the tan fades. The 3 sheer formulas (light, medium, and deep) are transparent but long-wearing. Absolutely perfect for when you’re feeling a little shiny after walking to work, and you won’t need to re-apply a million times during the day. If you DO feel the need to re-apply, you won’t get the cakey/powdery feeling that you might get from other powders. It’s flawless. Don’t forget to use promo code GLAM2 at checkout to get free shipping at Dior.com!

Davines SU Sun Oil: Moisturizing for hair and body ($28)- Gotta love a multi-tasking formula when you don’t have a lot of room in your overnight bag. This oil is jam-packed with UV filters, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and, a personal favorite of mine, Argan oil. This protects hair and skin from salt, sun, chlorine, sand, you name it. You feel moisturized rather than scorched. This is a great one to protect your tresses before swimming.

Many thanks to all these brands for sending me the product to keep me looking good and feeling protected during these hot summer months!